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Garbage Picker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LUSA HOLDINGS

SWEEP DRIVER

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $17/hr

Pick up litter and debris using a garbage picker * Maintain cleanliness and appearance of assigned properties * Perform general outdoor labor as needed * Follow safety procedures and company ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Driver

Rockledge, FL · On-site

The Waste Pro Residential Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned ...

Waste Connections

Local Garbage Truck Driver

Omaha, NE · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Papillion Sanitation, a Waste Connections Company, is looking for a safety conscience Local Garbage ... Pick up and transport waste and recycling materials - Maintain accurate records of pick-ups and ...

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Garbage Picker information

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How much do garbage picker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage picker in the United States is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Jobs that pay around $250 an hour typically include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and certain high-level consultants. These positions often require advanced education, certifications, and significant experience. Most entry-level or manual jobs, including garbage picking, do not reach this pay rate.

What are garbage pickers and what do they do?

Garbage pickers, also known as waste pickers or sanitation workers, are individuals who collect, sort, and remove waste materials from public and private spaces. Their main responsibility is to keep communities clean by picking up trash, recyclables, and sometimes hazardous materials from streets, parks, and other areas. Garbage pickers often help in separating recyclable items from general waste, contributing to environmental sustainability. This job can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety and hygiene. In many places, garbage pickers play a crucial role in waste management and recycling processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Garbage Picker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Picker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of waste sorting and safety procedures, often requiring no formal education but sometimes a high school diploma. Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE), waste collection tools, and sometimes handheld data devices is typical in this role. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help individuals excel. These abilities ensure efficient, safe waste collection and contribute to public health and environmental cleanliness.

What is the difference between Garbage Picker vs Waste Collector?

AspectGarbage PickerWaste Collector
CredentialsNone typically requiredMay require a valid driver’s license
Work EnvironmentResidential or commercial areas, often manual laborOn-road, operating trucks, handling larger waste loads
Industry UsageCommonly used in local sanitation servicesUsed by municipal waste management companies

Garbage Picker and Waste Collector roles often overlap, but Waste Collectors usually operate larger vehicles and handle bigger waste loads, often requiring a driver’s license. Garbage Pickers typically perform manual collection in neighborhoods. Both roles are essential in waste management and share similar credentials and work environments, but Waste Collectors tend to have more responsibilities related to vehicle operation and larger-scale collection.

Is it hard to become a garbage collector?

Becoming a garbage collector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and physical stamina for outdoor work. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and training on operating collection vehicles, but the entry process is generally straightforward and based on local hiring standards.

How much is a garbage collector paid?

Garbage collectors typically earn an average annual salary between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced workers or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. Benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans, and the job may require physical stamina and safety training.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage pickers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Garbage pickers often encounter challenges such as exposure to hazardous materials, unpredictable weather conditions, and physically demanding tasks. To address these, employers typically provide protective gear, safety training, and guidelines for handling dangerous items. Teamwork and clear communication also play a key role in ensuring safety and efficiency while on route. Staying vigilant and following established protocols helps garbage pickers minimize risks and maintain a safer work environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam due to the demanding nature of the job. Some positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to operate collection trucks, along with good physical stamina and attention to safety procedures.
More about Garbage Picker jobs
What cities are hiring for Garbage Picker jobs? Cities with the most Garbage Picker job openings:
What states have the most Garbage Picker jobs? States with the most job openings for Garbage Picker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Picker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Picker jobs are:
Garbage Picker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Picker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,221 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

SWEEP DRIVER

LUSA HOLDINGS

La Vergne, TN • On-site

$15.25 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Sweeper Driver

PeachTree Landscape – LaVergne, TN

PeachTree Landscape is seeking a dependable and hardworking Sweeper Driver to join our team in LaVergne, TN. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, is willing to learn new skills, and takes pride in maintaining clean and attractive properties.

No previous sweeper truck experience is required—we will provide training.

Responsibilities
  • Drive and operate a sweeper truck on assigned routes
  • Change trash bags at commercial properties
  • Pick up litter and debris using a garbage picker
  • Maintain cleanliness and appearance of assigned properties
  • Perform general outdoor labor as needed
  • Follow safety procedures and company guidelines
Requirements
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Willingness to learn and be trained on sweeper truck operation
  • Ability to perform physical labor and work outdoors
  • Dependable, punctual, and self-motivated
  • Ability to work independently and complete assigned routes
Schedule
  • Shift begins at 6:00 PM
  • Routes typically finish in the early morning hours
  • Full-time position
Pay & Benefits
  • Competitive Pay (based on experience)
  • Health, dental, vision insurance offered after 60 days of employment
  • Paid training provided
  • 401k 

If you're looking for a stable opportunity with a growing company and enjoy working outdoors, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today and join the PeachTree Landscape team!

Apply